Rosewood Market Thrives by Serving its Community

By Jacquelyn McHugh / Photography By Shell Royster | June 13, 2019

rosewood market owner standing in front of store

Bryan Tayara, Rosewood Market owner, standing outside of the grocery store on Rosewood Drive.

Does your grocery store have its own mantra? Maybe it should. As the first natural foods store in Columbia, Rosewood Market is guided by its mantra—“Eat well. Do good. Live better.”—to offer products and unique experiences to the health-focused citizens of Columbia. More than mere words, this mantra resonates throughout every aspect of the business, from the thoughtfully sourced products they stock to the time and care they take with every customer who walks through the door.

The quaint space on Rosewood Drive was the hub of holistic living in Columbia long before the market opened for business in 1989. In its past life, the market was known as The Basil Pot, one of Columbia's first vegetarian restaurants. It was opened in 1972 by Basil Garzia and a group of happy, peace-loving hippies. In 2015, current owner, Bryan Tayara, who met Garzia while distributing locally sourced seafood to the market, fell in love with the business, bought the market, and has owned it since.

strawberries on the shelf at Rosewood Market

Rosewood Market employee giving thumbs up

“When Basil asked if I wanted to step in as owner, there was no choice to be made,” Tayara says.“It was my calling. At that point I had been preaching the importance of wholesome local food in my community for years; this was a golden opportunity to further those efforts and usher this local institution into its next 40 years in Columbia.”

Tayara, who has a strong background in the culinary and hospitality industries, has focused on a chef-driven menu showcasing more local ingredients.“I want Rosewood Market to be an outlet for local farmers and food producers to help feed people who are taking an active approach to living a healthier and happier lifestyle,” Tayara says. “The first time I stepped into Rosewood Market I knew it was a magical place. The feeling of community and genuine connection are so vital to Columbia’s food culture.”

Rosewood Market owner holding potted herbs

As customers increasingly search for alternative choices for health and wellness, Rosewood Market seeks to meet those needs by stocking certified-kosher, gluten-free, wheat-free, gelatin-free, soy-free and corn-free options. Their knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist you in your efforts to eat local, organic produce. They also offer local meats and sustainable seafood, in addition to alternative proteins for different diets.

Many chain supermarkets are struggling, as customers—especially younger ones—are seeking out stores that offer more local ingredients and bulk items. As a small community store, Rosewood Market is able to showcase cultural niches and address specific dietary and social needs. Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” approach to stock merchandizing, Tayara and his team are addressing customer needs one on one. They’re also committed to zero waste; recycling, composting and reuse are standard procedure at the market.

The true beauty of Rosewood Market lingers long after the receipt prints and you haul your reusable bags to your car. They’re more than a grocery store—they’re essentially a wellness center that is taking care of the community by doing their best to meet its needs. Their blog keeps visitors up to date with the most recent topics in natural foods and wellness, from intuitive eating to natural cleaning products to Bulletproof coffee. And there’s yoga on the patio, in-store wine tastings and so much more.

“Rosewood Market is a meeting place and platform for Columbia’s counterculture to share ideas and affect positive change in our community,” Tayara says. “It’s a safe haven for people who are sick and want to be well. You can get many of the products we carry elsewhere, but you’ll never get a Rosewood Market.”

Want to hang out at Rosewood Market? Keep up with their ongoings at their website.